Device and a method for sampling of milk

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a device and a method for sampling of milk. The device includes a collecting member ( 15, 15 ′) arranged to receive milk samples from a milk line ( 1 ), which is arranged to transport milk from one animal ( 3 ) at a time, and a passage ( 8   a   , 12″, 13 ) arranged to allow a milk flow from the milk line ( 1 ) to the collecting member ( 15, 15 ′). The device comprises flow means ( 11, 19 ) arranged to provide a milk flow, from the animal ( 3 ), through at least a part of the passage ( 8   a   , 12″, 13 ) at least a time period before a milk sample is to be taken in order to rinse at least the part of the passage ( 8   a   , 12″, 13 ) from milk residues from a previously milked animal.

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to a device and a method for sampling ofmilk from an animal the milk of which is to be tested, wherein thedevice comprises a collecting member arranged to receive milk samplesfrom a milk line, which is arranged to transport milk from one animal ata time, and a passage arranged to allow a milk flow from a milk line tothe collecting member.

Sampling of milk is performed in order to analyse the quality of themilk. Thereby, the content of particular substances and the existent ofbacterium in the milk of individual cows may be analysed. Usually, tubeshaving a relative small inner diameter are used for delivering milksamples from a milk line to a milk analysing device. Inevitably, milkresidues from previous samplings are stored as a thin film along theinner walls of such tubes. Thereby, the amount of milk forming this filmis not negligible in relation to the whole amount of milk in a sample.Consequently, the risk is obvious that milk samples conveyed in suchtubes comprise a relatively high percentage of milk from previouslymilked cows. Thereby, the result of the analysis of a milk sample from aspecific cow may be influenced of milk from previously milked cows.

Somatic cell count (SCC) defines the number of white cells permillilitre of milk. SCC scores are used as an international standard indetermining the quality and the price of the milk. In order to determinethe number of somatic cells in a milk sample, it is extremely importantthat the milk sample does not contain milk residuals from the previouslymilked cow, so-called carry over. In such a case, the measurement resultcould be completely incorrect. In an automatic milk arrangement, it is adesired to provide an automatic analysis of the number of somatic cellin the milk from individual cows. In this case, it is a problem toprovide a quick and effective washing of the passage, through which milksamples are delivered to a milk analysing device.

WO 92/15196 shows an apparatus for sampling of milk from a milk line.The apparatus comprises a by-pass line comprising a pump, a timer, asampling valve, and a test actuator. A milk flow is obtained in theby-pass line during a test period when the timer is set in a position,which initiates activation of the pump. Thus, a milk flow through theby-pass is here obtained during the sampling time period. There is a bigrisk that milk residues from a previous milked cow in the by-pass lineare mixed with the milk sample of the cow, which is to be tested. In anembodiment of this invention, the milk is guided into the by-pass linevia an inlet opening in a collector. After the milk has passed throughthe by-pass line, it is guided back to the milk line, via an outletopening, to the collector. The outlet opening in the collector ispositioned at a small distance downstream of the inlet opening.Especially at a low milk flow in the milk line, it is an obvious riskthat milk from different cows is mixed in the collector and milk frompreviously milked cows is guided back into the inlet opening of theby-pass line.

DE 23 54 820 shows a milk line having an extension between a firstcontainer and a second container. A conduit has an extension betweenthese containers in parallel with the ordinary milk line. A samplingdevice is arranged to allow sampling of the milk in the conduit. Thesampling device, which has a relatively complex construction, isarranged to discharge milking samples from the conduit, via a branchconduit, to a sample container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a sampling device anda method, which provide reliable milk samples from individual animalswithout influences of possible milk residues stored in the conduitarrangement from previously milked animals.

This object is achieved in that the device comprises flow means arrangedto provide a flow of milk, from said animal, through at least a part ofthe passage at least a time period before a milk sample is taken inorder to rinse at least said part of the passage from milk residues froma previously milked animal. Such a milk flow in the passage removesrelatively quickly possible residues of milk from a previously milkedanimal in the conduit. Thereby, the risk that such milk residues willaffect a milk sample of the milk from the milked animal is substantiallyeliminated. Such a rinsing process of the passage is very simple and itdoes not require a disconnection of the conduit arrangement from themilk line. The rinsing process does not remain any residue of water oranother cleaning liquid into the conduit, which may affect the milksample. Consequently, a drying process in order to remove such water ora cleaning liquid from the passage is also unnecessary. Hence, therinsing process does not affect the milking process at all. The milkline may comprise a collecting container, wherein the passage isarranged to allow a milk flow from the collecting container to thecollecting member. Such a temporarily collecting container may be usedto store the milk in the milk line from the tested animal until theresult of the sampling is obtained. If the milk quality is satisfactory,the milk is transported to a larger milk container collecting milk fromseveral cows. If the milk quality is not satisfactory, the milk in thetemporarily collecting container is discarded.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the devicecomprises a conduit loop, having a first end connected to a milk lineand a second end connected to the milk line at a distance from the firstend, wherein at least a first part of the conduit loop, is comprised insaid passage. An analysis device requires a relatively great deal ofspace. By using such a conduit loop, the length of the tube, whichtransports the milk samples to the analysis device, may be reduced. Thesecond end of the conduit loop, which comprises an outlet opening, isthus connected to the milk line at a distance downstream of the firstend, which comprises the inlet opening. Thereby, the milk, which haspassed through the conduit loop, is prevented to return into the inletopening. The milk flow through the conduit loop may rinse said firstpart of the conduit. Said milk is then guided back to the milk line. Therinsing process achieved by the milk from the animal, which is milked,is simple, quick, and effective.

Advantageously, the first part of conduit loop has an extension from thefirst end to a valve member, which is arranged to allow a discharge ofthe milk in the conduit loop to the collecting member. Such a valvemember may be a three-way valve. The device may comprise a secondconduit, having an extension from the valve member to the collectingmember, which second conduit comprises a second part of the passage. Inmost cases, it is necessary to use a short such a second conduit inorder to transport the milk from the conduit loop to the collectingmember. However, this second part of the passage is preferably muchshorter than the first part of the passage. Advantageously, a milk flowfrom said animal is also arranged to flow through the second part of thepassage in order to rinse it from milk residues from previously milkedanimals. Thereby, the whole passage is rinsed by milk from the animal tobe milked and the affect of a milk sample from previously milked animalsis substantially eliminated.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first partof conduit loop has an extension from the first end of the conduit loopto a collecting member, which is arranged in the conduit loop. In thiscase, the milk sample may be collected in a collecting container alsocalled measurement chamber. Advantageously, the conduit loop maycomprise a valve, which in a closed position is arranged to accomplishstagnant milk in the collecting member. The most milk analysis devicesrequire that the milk in the sample is stagnant during the analysis.Alternatively, the device may comprise a valve arranged in the milkline, wherein said passage comprises at least an opening of the valve.In this case, a very short passage is obtained, which has to be rinsedby milk.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow means isarranged to provide said milk flow in at least said part of the passageas soon as milk from said animal flows in the milk line at the first endof the conduit loop. Thereby, the rinsing process starts as soon as itis possible to use milk from the milked animal to rinse the passage.After, for example, a determined time period or after that a determinedamount of the milk has passed through the valve member, a sample of themilk may be taken. The flow means may comprise a pump, which could bearranged in the first part of the passage. By using such a pump, arinsing milk flow in the passage is guaranteed. Alternatively, the flowmeans may comprise the gravitation or the pressure difference betweenthe ends of the conduit loop.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the devicemay comprise an analysing device. The analysing device is arranged toanalyse the quality of the milk in the sample. Thereby, the content ofparticular substances and the existent of bacterium in the milk samplemay be analysed. The flow means may comprise a pump arranged in theanalysing device. Thereby, when the three-way valve allows a milk flowthrough the second conduit, the pump sucks the milk from the milk lineinto the passage to the collecting member. Thereby, the flow of the milksample from the milk line to the analysing device is guaranteed. Theanalysis device may be arranged to count somatic cells or fat dropletsin the milk sample. The number of somatic cells in the milk sample is animportant parameter in order to determine the quality of the milk. Suchan analysis device may be arranged to add chemical substances to themilk sample in order to count the somatic cells or fat droplets in themilk sample. This method is simple, low cost and quick. Alternatively,the analysing device is arrange to use a camera system to record imagesof the milk sample in the collecting member in order to count somaticcells and/or fat droplets. Such a method is possible to use in anautomatic milking arrangement and it provides a counting of the somaticcells or fat droplets in the milk sample with a high degree of accuracy.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the devicemay comprise a control unit arranged to control the milk samplingprocess. Such a control unit may be a computer device. Thereby,automatic milk sampling of individual animals may be performed. Thecontrol unit may be arranged to initiate sampling of the milk only afterthat a certain amount of milk from said animal has passed through atleast said part of the passage. Such an amount is the estimated amountfor rinsing the first part of the passage from milk residues from apreviously milked animal. The control unit may be able to control theactivation of said flowing means. The control unit may for example, beable to switch the three-way valve to the first position, in which amilk flow is guided through the whole conduit loop, and to a secondposition, in which a milk flow is guided from the first end of theconduit loop to the collecting member in the analysing device. Thecontrol unit may keep the three-way valve in the second position duringa time period such that a suitable amount of milk from the conduit loopis guided to the second conduit. The initial part of the milk flow inthe second conduit is used to rinse the passage and the final part ofthe milk flow is collected in the collecting member as a milk sample.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the controlunit is connected to a reading device and arranged to receiveinformation from the reading device about the identity of the animal. Inan automatic milking and sampling device such an information isnecessary in order to relate a milk sample to a specific animal. Thecontrol unit may be connected to a flow meter and arranged to receiveinformation from the flow meter about the presence of a milk flow in themilk line. With such information, the control unit may control theactivation of the pump in the first part of the passage or theactivation of the pump in the analysis device. Thereby, the pump may bestarted, as soon as a milk flow is present in the milk line and stoppedas soon as the milk flow has ended in the milk line. Alternatively, thepump may be driven substantially continuously. The control unit may beconnected to the analysing device and be arranged to receive informationfrom the analysing device about the results of the milk samples.Thereby, the control unit may store the result of the analysed milksample. The control unit may also have the possibility to control aremoving unit, which removes the milk from a specific animal if the milksample discloses that the quality of the milk is not sufficiently high.The milk from a specific animal may be stored temporarily in acollecting container until the control unit receives information aboutthe quality of the milk from the analysing device.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduithas a smaller inner cross-section area than the milk line. The conduitmay, for example, have a diameter of about 2 mm. Thereby, only arelatively small amount of the milk in the milk line needs to be suckedinto the conduit. The device may be connected to a milk line arranged totransport milk from one teat of an animal at a time. Thereby, aninfected teat of an animal may be detected and the milk from such a teatdiscarded.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the deviceis connected to a milk line, which constitutes a part of anautomatically controlled arrangement for milking of animals. Inautomatic milking arrangements it is desirable to provide an automaticsampling of the quality of the milk from individual animals and fromtheirs individual teats. The arrangement may comprise a milking robot,which is arranged to attach teat cups to the individual teats of theanimal. Such a milking robot may comprise a device for sampling of milkfrom an animal, the milk of which is to be tested, wherein the devicecomprises a collecting member arranged to receive milk samples from amilk line, which is arranged to transport milk from one animal at atime, a passage arranged to allow a milk flow from the milk line to thecollecting member, and an analysing device arranged to count somaticcells and/or fat droplets in the milk sample. Furthermore, the milkingrobot comprises flow means arranged to provide a milk flow, from saidanimal, through at least a part of the passage at least a time periodbefore a milk sample is taken in order to rinse at least said part ofthe passage from milk residues from a previously milked animal.Consequently, the milk sampling device may constitute an integrated partof the milking robot.

The invention also relates to a method for sampling of milk from ananimal, the milk of which is to be tested, wherein a device is usedcomprising a collecting member arranged to receive milk samples from amilk line, which is arranged to transport milk from one animal at atime, and a passage arranged to allow a flow of milk from the milk lineto the collecting member. The method is characterised by the step of:providing a milk flow from said animal through at least a part of thepassage at least a time period before a milk sample is taken in order torinse at east said part of the passage from milk residues from apreviously milked animal. The initial milk flow from said animal removeseffectively possible residues of milk from previously milked animals inthe passage. Thereby, the risk that a milk sample is mixed with milkfrom previously milked animals is substantially eliminated.Consequently, an effective rinsing process of the passage from milkresiduals is obtained in a quick and simple way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of apreferred embodiment, which is disclosed as an example, and withreference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a milk line with a first embodiment of a device forsampling of milk,

FIG. 2 shows an alternative milk line with a second embodiment of adevice for sampling of milk,

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a device for sampling of milk,

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a device for sampling of milk,

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a device for sampling of milk and

FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a device for sampling of milk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a milk line 1 having an extension from a claw 2, which isattachable to a cow 3 during a milking process. The milk line 1comprises a collecting container, in the form of an end unit 4. The endunit 4 is arranged to store the milk from the cow 3 temporarily. Avacuum pump 5 guarantees the transport of the milk to the end unit 4. Asampling device 6 is connected to the end unit 4, for allowing samplingof the milk in the end unit 4. Since the milk line 1 has an extensionfrom only one claw 2, the milk in the milk line 1 originates from onecow 3 at a time. In order to identify the milked cow 3, a reading device7 is arrange to read a specific code from a transponder, which, in thiscase, is attached to an ear of the cow 3. The sampling device 6 isarranged to discharge a small amount of the milk collected in the endunit 4 as a milk sample through a passage. According to the invention,the device 6 is arranged to provide a milk flow, through said passage atleast a time period before a milk sample is taken in order to rinse thepassage from milk residues from a previously milked animal. Thereafter,the sampling device 6 is arranged to analyse the quality of the milk. Acontrol unit 17 is arranged to supervise and control the milk samplingdevice 6 and the milk sampling process. Such a control unit 17 comprisesa computer having suitable software for this purpose. By using such acontrol unit 17, an automatic sampling of the milk from individual cows3 is possible to accomplish.

FIG. 2 shows a milk line 1 having an extension from a teat cup 20, whichis attachable to a cow 3 during a milking process. The milk line 1comprises here a collecting container, in the form of a sub end unit 4′.In reality, there is four parallel milk lines 1, which each extent froma teat cup 20. The four milk lines 1 comprises each a sub end unit 4′,which is arranged to store the milk from the respective teats of a cow 3temporarily. The four sub end units 4′ may constitute integrated partsof one end unit 4. A vacuum pump 5 guarantees the transport of the milkto the respective sub end units 4′. A sampling device 6 is connected tothe milk line 1. The sampling device 6 is arranged to discharge a smallamount of the milk from the milk line 1 as a milk sample through apassage. According to the invention, the device 6 is arranged to providea milk flow, through said passage at least a time period before a milksample is taken in order to rinse the passage from milk residues from apreviously milked animal.

The milk in the respective milk line 1 originates from one teat of a cow3 at a time.

A schematically disclosed milking robot 21 is arranged to perform theattachment of the four teat cups 20 to a cow 3. The control unit 17 isarranged to receive information from the reading device 7 about theidentity of the cow 3 and to control the milking robot 21, the pump 5,and the sampling device 6. Consequently, a substantially automaticallycontrolled arrangement for milking and sampling is obtained. Since, thesampling device 6 here samples the milk from one teat of a cow 3, aninfected teat of an animal may be detected. The milk from said teat,which is temporarily collected in the sub end unit 4′ will be discarded.In this case, the sampling device 6 constitutes an integrated part ofthe milking robot 21. The control unit 17 may also be an integrated partof the milking robot 21.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a sampling device 6 according to thepresent invention. The sampling device 6 comprises a conduit loop 8having an inlet opening at a first end 9, which is connected to the milkline 1, and an outlet opening at a second end 10. Thereby, a part of themilk, which flows in the milk line 1, is allowed to flow into the inletopening at the first end 9 of the conduit loop 8. The milk in theconduit loop 8 is guided back to the milk line 1, via the outlet openingin the second end 10. Since the second end 10 is connected to the milkline 1 at a distance downstream of the first end 9, the milk, which haspassed through the conduit loop 8, is prevented to return to the conduitloop 8. The conduit loop 8 has a substantially smaller innercross-section area than the milk line 1. Thereby, only a relativelysmall amount of the milk, which flows in the milk line 1, is sucked intothe conduit loop 8.

A pump 11 and a three-way valve 12 are arranged in the conduit loop 8.The pump 11 is positioned in a first part 8 a of the conduit loop 8,which first part 8 a has an extension from the first end 9 to thethree-way valve 12. The three-way valve 12 is mostly positioned in afirst position, in which it allows the milk to pass through the valve 12in a direction towards the outlet opening 10. When the control unit 17initiates that a milk sample is to be taken, the three-way valve 12 isswitched to a second position. In the second position the three-wayvalve 12 discharges the milk flow from the first part of conduit loop 8a to a second conduit 13, which guides the milk to a milk analysingdevice 14. The milk analysing device 14 is here arranged to countsomatic cells or fat droplets in the milk. The analysing device 14comprises a collecting member, in the form of a delivery funnel 15,which is arranged to collect the milk to be analysed. The deliveryfunnel 15 comprises at the top an overflow member 22, which restrictsthe amount of the milk in the delivery funnel 15. The surplus amount ofmilk is guided, via a sewer conduit 23, to an outlet conduit 18. A pump19 is arranged to drain the milk from the delivery funnel 15 when avalve 28 is open.

Consequently, the milk to be sampled is transported through a passage,which has an extension from the milk line 1 to the delivery funnel 15.This passage comprises the first part 8 a of the conduit loop 8 and thesecond conduit 13. A flow meter 16 is arranged in the milk line 1 inorder to measure the flow rate in the milk line 1. The control unit 17is arranged to supervise and control the milk sampling process. By usinga control unit 17, a substantially automatic sampling of the milk fromindividual cows 3 is possible to accomplish.

When a cow 3 has entered, for example, a milking stall, a milking robot21 attaches the teat cups 20 to the cow 3. The reading device 7 readsthe identity of the cow 3 and informs the control unit 17 about theidentity of the cow 3 by a signal. The milking process starts and themilk from the cow 3 begins to flow in the milk line 1. The milk in themilk line 1 is transported by the vacuum pump 5 in a direction towards acollecting container in the form of a sub end unit 4′. The respectiveteat cups 20 are connected to a respective sub end unit 4′. The flowmeter 16 detects the milk flow in the milk line 1. The flow meter 16informs the control unit 17 by a signal about the presence of the flowand the flow value in the milk line 1. The control unit 17 initiatesactivation of the pump 11, which establishes a negative pressure at thefirst end 9 of the conduit loop 8. Thereby, a part of the milk, whichflows In the milk line 1, is sucked into the conduit loop 8, via theinlet opening, at the first end 9.

The milk flow, from the cow 3, removes possible milk residues in theconduit loop 8 from the previously milked cow. Such milk residues may bestored as a thin film along the inner wall surface of the conduit loop8. The milk from the cow, which is milked, provides a very simple, quickand effective rinsing of the conduit loop 8 from milk residues. Thereby,remaining milk residues in the first part 8 a of the conduit loop 8 willnot influence on a milk sample of the presently milked cow 3. Thecontrol unit 17 initiates sampling of the milk from the cow 3 only afterthat a time period has passed and/or a suitable amount of milk from thecow 3 has flown through the three-way valve 12 in the conduit loop 8.When, such a suitable amount of milk has flown through the three-wayvalve 12, the risk that milk residues from the previously milked cowremains in the first part 8 a of the conduit loop 8 is substantiallyeliminated.

When a sample of the milk from the cow 3 is to be taken, the controlunit 17 initiates an adjustment of the three-way valve 12 from the firstposition to the second position. The milk in the first part 8 a of theconduit loop 8 is now directed into the second conduit 13. The valve 28is open and the pump 19 is activated such that the milk, which entersthe delivery funnel 15, is drained out through the outlet conduit 18.The outlet conduit 18 may transport this milk back to the conduit loop 8downstream of the three-way valve 12 or to a specific container for milkto be discarded. Thereby, the initial milk flow through the secondconduit 13 removes milk residues in the second conduit 13 from apreviously tested cow. Consequently, the milk rinses the first part 8 aof the conduit loop and the second conduit 13 from milk residues.However, the delivery funnel 15 is washed in a conventional mannerbetween each sampling. When a determined amount of milk has passed thedelivery funnel 15, the valve 28 is closed and the drain pump 19 isstopped. The milk flow in the second conduit 13 fills now the deliveryfunnel 15. When the delivery funnel 15 is filled with milk, a quantityof milk is sucked from the delivery 15 to a test tube. Chemicalsubstances are added to the test tube. The colour change of the milk inthe test tube makes it possible to indicate the number of somatic cellsin the milk sample. The control unit 17 receives a signal from theanalysis devices 14 about the result of the sampling. Then, the controlunit 17 opens the valve 28 and activates the pump 19 such that the milkin the delivery funnel 15 is drained out through the outlet conduit 18.

By information about the flow value in the milk line 1, the control unit17 may keep the three-way valve 12 in the second position at a timeperiod such that a desired amount of milk for rinsing and for samplingis delivered through the second conduit 13. After that a milk sample hasbeen taken, the three-way valve 12 is switched back to the firstposition. The control unit 17 stores the received information about thequality of the milk from the cow 3. The milk may be stored in the subend unit 4′ until the control unit 17 has received information about thequality of the milk from the analysing device 14. If the milk from saidteat of the cow 3 does not perform determined requirements of thequality, the milk in the sub end unit 4′ is discarded.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the device. When the three-way valve12 here is in the first position, the gravitation and/or the pressuredifference between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the conduitloop 8 are arranged to provide a continuous milk flow in the conduitloop 8. This flow arises as soon as milk flows in the milk line 1 at thefirst end 9 of the conduit loop 8. Thereby, a quick and effectiverinsing of milk residues from the previously milked cow is achieved inthe first part 8 a of the conduit loop 8. When a sample of the milk fromthe cow 3 is to be taken, the control unit 17 initiates an adjustment ofthe three-way valve 12 from the first position to the second position.The control unit 17 opens the valve 28 and activates the pump 19 in theanalysing device 14. The milk in the first part 8 a of the conduit loop8 is now sucked into the second conduit 13 by the pump 19. The initialmilk flow in the second conduit 13 streams through the analysing device14 and out through the outlet conduit 18. The outlet conduit 18 maytransport this milk back to the conduit loop 8 downstream of thethree-way valve 12 or to a storage container for milk to be discarded.Thereby, the initial milk flow removes possible milk residues from thepreviously milked cow in the second conduit 13. When a determined amountof milk has passed the second conduit 13, the valve 28 is closed and thedrain pump 19 is stopped. The final milk flow through the second conduit13 fills the delivery funnel 15.

By information about the flow rate in the milk line 1, the control unit17 may keep the three-way valve 12 in the second position at a timeperiod such that a desired amount of milk for rinsing and for samplingis delivered through the second conduit 13. The three-way valve 12 isthen switched back to its first position. The control unit 17 receivesinformation about the results from the analysing device 14. The controlunit 17 stores the received results about the quality of the milk fromthe cow 3. The milk may be stored temporarily in an end unit 4 until thecontrol unit 17 receives the results from the analysing device 14. Ifthe milk from the cow 3 does not perform determined requirements of thequality, the milk in the end unit 4 is discarded.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the device. In this case a valve 12′is arranged in the milk line 1. The valve 12′ is arranged to allow adischarge of milk samples substantially direct from the milk line 1. Thevalve 12′ comprises a closeable opening 12″ located at a bottom surfaceof the milk line 1. An analysis device 14 is arranged in a positionstraight below said opening 12″ of the valve 12′. The control unit 17 isarranged to set the valve 12′ in an open position when a milk sample isto be taken. An air gap 24 is arranged between the valve 12′ and theanalysis device 14. When a sample of the milk from a cow 3 is to betaken, the control unit 17 sets the valve 12′ in an open position.Thereby, a smaller part of the milk in the milk line 1 is dischargedthrough said opening 12″ and into the delivery funnel 15 of the analysisdevice. The initially discharged milk flows through the delivery funnel15 and out through the outlet conduit 18. The outlet conduit 18 maytransport this milk back to the milk line 1 downstream of the valve 12′or to a storage container for milk to be discarded. Thereby, the initialmilk flow removes possible milk residues from a previously milked cow 3from at least the surface, which defines the opening 12″ of the valve,When a determined amount of milk has been discharged from the milk line1, the valve 28 is closed and the drain pump 19 is stopped. The finaldischarged milk from the milk line 1 flow through the opening 12″ of thevalve 12′ and fills the delivery funnel 15. In this case, the passage isvery short. The passage is defined substantially only by the opening 12″of the valve 12′. The flow means is here the gravitation.

FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the device. In this case, the conduitloop 8 comprises a collecting chamber in the form of a flat measuringchamber 15′. Transparent walls define the measuring chamber 15′ at leastpartly. A camera apparatus 25 is arranged at one wall surface of themeasuring chamber 15′ and a light source 26 is arranged at the oppositewall of the measuring chamber 15′. A two-way valve 27 is arrangeddownstream of the measuring chamber 15′ in the conduit loop 8.

When a sample of the milk in a milk line 1 is to be taken, the controlunit 17 initiates activation of the pump 11 such that a milk flow isobtained in the conduit loop 8. The control unit 17 sets the two-wayvalve 27 in an open position. Thereby, the milk flows through a firstpart 8 a of the conduit loop 8, which is located before the measuringchamber 15′, through the measuring chamber 15′ and through the remainingpart of the conduit loop 8 back to the milk line 1. Thereby, the milkflow removes milk residues from a previously milked cow in the conduitloop 8. When a determined amount of milk has passed through the firstpart 8 a of the conduit loop, the pump 11 is stopped and the two-wayvalve 27 is set in a closed position. Thereby, the milk in themeasurement chamber 15′ becomes stagnant. The camera apparatus 25 maycomprise a microscope such that images of the stagnant milk in a smallarea of the measuring chamber 15′ may be recorded. In this area, themeasuring chamber 15′ may have a thickness of about 0, 1 mm. Byrecording a large number of images and by means of digital processing ofthese images, a somatic cell count score can be determined.

After that a milk sample has been taken, the control unit 17 activatesthe pump 11 and sets the two-way valve 27 in an open position. Thecontrol unit 17 stores the received information about the somatic cellcount score of the milk. The milk from the cow 3 may be stored in theend unit 4 until the control unit 17 has received and ascertained theresult of the milk sample. If the milk from the cow 3 does not performdetermined requirements of the quality, the milk in the end unit 4 maybe removed as no usable.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments of theinvention but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

1. A device for sampling of milk from an animal, the milk of which is tobe tested, wherein the device comprises: a collecting member arranged toreceive milk samples from a milk line, which is arranged to transportmilk from one animal at a time; and a passage arranged to allow a milkflow from the milk line to the collecting member; wherein the devicefurther comprises flow means arranged to provide a milk flow, fromanimal, through at least a part of the passage at least a time periodbefore a milk sample is taken in order to rinse at least part of thepassage from milk residues from a previously milked animal.
 2. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the milk line comprises a collectingcontainer, wherein the passage is arranged to allow a milk flow from thecollecting container to the collecting member.
 3. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the device further comprises a conduit loop, having afirst end connected to the milk line and a second end connected to themilk line at a distance from the first end, wherein at least a firstpart of the conduit loop is comprised in passage.
 4. A device accordingto claim 3, wherein the first part of conduit loop has an extension fromthe first end to a valve member, which is arranged to allow a dischargeof the milk in the conduit loop to the collecting member.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the valve member comprises a three-wayvalve.
 6. A device according to claim 4, wherein the device furthercomprises a second conduit having an extension from the valve member tothe collecting member, which second conduit constitutes a second part ofthe passage.
 7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first part ofconduit loop has an extension from the first end of the conduit loop toa collecting member, which is arranged in the conduit loop.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the conduit loop comprises a valve, whichin a closed position is arranged to accumulate stagnant milk in thecollecting member.
 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the devicefurther comprises a valve arranged in the milk line, wherein passagecomprises at least an opening of the valve.
 10. A device according toclaim 3 wherein flow means is arranged to provide milk flow in at leastpart of the passage as soon as milk from animal flows in the milk lineat the first end of the conduit loop.
 11. A device according to claim 1,wherein the flow means comprises a pump.
 12. A device according to claim1, wherein the milk flow provided by the flow means is gravity aided.13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprisesan analysing device, which is arranged to analyse the milk in thecollecting member.
 14. A device according to claim 13, wherein theanalysing device is arranged to provide a count from the groupconsisting of somatic cells and fat droplets, and combinations thereof,in the milk sample.
 15. A device according to claim 14, wherein theanalysing device is arranged to add chemical substances to thecollecting member in order to provide the count of the group consistingof somatic cells, fat droplets and combinations thereof in the milksample.
 16. A device according to claim 14, wherein the analysing deviceis arranged to use a camera system to record images of the milk samplein the collecting member in order to provide the count from the groupconsisting of somatic cells, fat droplets, and combinations thereof. 17.A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises acontrol unit (17) arranged to control the milk sampling process.
 18. Adevice according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is arranged toinitiate sampling of the milk only after that a certain amount of milkfrom animal has passed through at least part of the passage.
 19. Adevice according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is arranged tocontrol the activation of flow means.
 20. A device according to claim17, wherein the control unit is connected to a reading device andarranged to receive information from the reading device about theidentity of the animal.
 21. A device according to claim 17, wherein thecontrol unit is connected to a flow meter and arranged to receiveinformation from the flow meter about the presence of a milk flow in themilk line.
 22. A device according to claim 17, wherein the control unitis connected to an analysing device and arranged to receive informationfrom the analysing device about the results of the milk samples.
 23. Adevice according to claim 3, wherein the conduit loop has a smallerinner cross-section area than the milk line.
 24. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the device is connected to a milk line, which isarranged to transport milk from one teat of an animal at a time.
 25. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the device is connected to a milkline, which constitutes a part of an automatically controlledarrangement for milking of animals.
 26. A device according to claim 25,wherein the arrangement comprises a milking robot.
 27. A milking robotcomprising a device according to claim 1, wherein the device constitutesan integrated part of a milking robot.
 28. A method for sampling of milkfrom an animal, the milk of which is to be tested, comprising the stepsof: providing a device comprising a collecting member arranged toreceive milk samples from a milk line, which is arranged to transportmilk from one animal at a time, and a passage arranged to allow a milkflow from the milk line to the collecting member, method comprising thestep of: providing a milk flow from animal through at least a part ofthe passage at least a time period before a milk sample is taken inorder to rinse at least part of the passage from milk residues from apreviously milked animal.
 29. A method for collecting milk from ananimal comprising the step of milking an animal using an arrangement forthe milking of animals which includes use of a device according toclaim
 1. 30. A milking robot, wherein the milking robot comprises adevice for sampling of milk from an animal the milk of which is to betested, a collecting member arranged to receive milk samples from a milkline, which is arranged to transport milk from one animal at a time, apassage arranged to allow a milk flow from the milk line to thecollecting member, and an analysing device arranged to provide a countof the group consisting of somatic cells, fat droplets and combinationsthereof in the milk sample, wherein the milking robot comprises flowmeans arranged to provide a milk flow, from animal, through at least apart of the passage at least a time period before a milk sample is takenin order to rinse at least part of the passage from milk residues from apreviously milked animal.